Full frame 8.3 megapixel CCD provides the largest sensor available in a scientific camera utilizing 1.25" color filters

Note: If you will be using 31 mm unmounted filters with this camera, you will require part number QS-AC5-CFW31-S3 which is specialized mounting hardware to ensure that your filters are secure. This can be found in the Recommended Accessories to your right.

Description

Details

The QSI 683WSG CCD camera uses the popular 8.3 megapixel TrueSense KAF-8300 full frame CCD imaging sensor. The KAF-8300 offers a large field of view in cameras using standard 1.25" filters. The 5.4 µm pixel size provides extremely high resolution. The sensor uses true two-phase charge transfer technology with a transparent gate that significantly increases optical response compared to traditional front illuminated full frame sensors. The superb imaging performance of this 683 WSG camera by QSI is wrapped in an attractive, compact design with outstanding power efficiency and investment protecting upgradeability. The refined engineering and impressive fit, finish, and attention to detail will surpass your highest expectations. The QSI 683wsg camera system is supported by industry-leading astronomy and microscopy image acquisition software, and a full camera control API is available for creating custom Windows or Linux applications.

QSI 683WSG Monochrome CCD Camera Highlights

QSI 683 camera comes with a TrueSense KAF-8300 sensor, with 8.3 MegaPixels and a peak QE of 60%

WSG models include an Integrated Guider Port (IGP). This one comes with threads for the SBIG STi

About the KAF-8300 Imaging Sensor

The QSI 683wsg camera employs a TrueSense KAF-8300 (formerly by Kodak) full frame CCD image sensor with micro-lensing technology. The KAF-8300 has excellent quantum efficiency between 350 nm and 1000 nm with a peak QE of 57%. Low dark current and high pixel charge capacity results in a dynamic range exceeding 70 dB. The sensor has anti-blooming protection and a fast electronic shutter. Micro lenses cover the surface of the CCD to focus the light into each 5.4 µm pixel, thereby increasing the optical photon response.

KAF-8300 CCD Sensor Specifications

CCD Architecture: Full Frame

Microlensing Technology: Yes

Anti-Blooming: Yes - 1000X suppression

Imager Size: 17.96 mm Wide x 13.52 mm High

Pixel Array: 3326 x 2507 active pixels

Total Number of Pixels: 8.3 megapixels

Pixel Size: 5.4 µm x 5.4 µm

Quantum Efficiency: Peak: 57%, 400 nm 38%

Dark Current Doubling: 5.8°C

Intrinsic Read Noise: 8 electrons RMS

Dynamic Range: 70 dB

About QSI Two-Stage TEC Cooling

The QSI 683wsg has a very efficient custom 2-stage Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC) subsystem. Intelligent, programmable cooling fans are integrated into the rear of the camera body to remove the heat generated by the cooler. Typically, forced air cooling lowers the regulated CCD temperature by up to 45°C below ambient utilizing 85% power. Tight ± 0.1°C temperature regulation is maintained at temperature settings of 10°C below ambient and lower. A slim liquid heat exchanger (sold separately) can be attached to the rear of the camera body to increase the cooling further, up to 55°C below the temperature of the circulating fluid.

The cooled CCD image sensor is positioned in a hermetically sealed environmental chamber and covered with an anti-reflection precision optical window. The sealed chamber is purged with an ultra dry noble gas to increase heat conduction and eliminate the possibility of frost forming inside the chamber. To extend the useful period before re-purging is required, a user-rechargeable micro-sieve desiccant is employed to scavenge water molecules that enter the chamber. It is located behind a sub-micron, gas-permeable membrane to prevent particulate contamination of the CCD chamber.

QSI Integrated Guide Port WSG Upgrade

The QSI 600 Series WSG cameras provide a solution to the problems normally associated with guiding by integrating a Guider Port directly into the camera body. The pick-off prism is designed to sit in front of the filters so that you will always have all of the star's light available for guiding.

The large 1/2" square pick-off prism of the integrated guide port is optimally positioned close to the internal filter wheel, supporting the use of guide cameras with large sensors, while preventing any vignetting of the main sensor, even with very fast optical systems. This Integrated Guide Port (IGP) is designed to support the SBIG STi auto guider.

The threaded adapter sits on top of the focus ring and allows the guide camera to be rotated to any position. The focus ring threads onto the focus base to allow 3 mm of travel when focusing the guide camera. Once focus is achieved, the focus ring is locked with a set screw. The guide camera can still be rotated manually if desired without changing the focus. The end result is a rigid, easily focused guide camera that will not move or flex while your mount tracks the apparent motion of the night sky.